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Student Handbook

2025-2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.        Attendance                                                                2-3

2.        Behavior Code                                                                3-7

3.        Dress Code                                                                7-8

4.        Transportation                                                                8-9

5.        Safe Schools/Anti-Bullying                                         9-10

6.        Title IX                                                                        10-11

7.        Homework Policy                                                        11

8.        Uniform Grading Policy                                                12

9.        Family Educational Rights and                                13

        Privacy Act

10.        Directory Information                                                14

11.        Student Speakers                                                        14

12.        School Insurance                                                        14

13.        Parent’s Right to Know                                                14

14.        Student Use of Technology                                        15

15.   Tardy/Early Dismissal Procedures                                15

16.   Medication/Athletics/Services                                        15-16

17.   Bell Schedule/ID Badges                                                17

18.   Academics                                                                17-19

19.   Requirements and Procedures                                19-21

20.   School Clubs                                                                21

21.         School Administrators and Counselors                        21

Attendance

In South Carolina, all children are required to attend a public or private school or kindergarten beginning at age five (5) and continuing until their 17th birthday.  If a child is not six years of age on or before the first day of September in a particular school year, parents and guardians may choose not to send their children to kindergarten; however, they must sign a waiver which may be obtained at the local school.

In accordance with the South Carolina Compulsory School Attendance law, the School District of Greenville County has adopted uniform rules to ensure that students attend school regularly. Each day that students are not in school, they miss hours of valuable instruction and opportunities for learning that they will not have again.  Students are counted present only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school principal.  A student is considered in attendance when present for at least three (3) hours of a school day.

All absences beginning with the first shall be approved or disapproved by the board’s designee, the building principal.  In making this decision, the principal shall be guided by the procedures as presented herein.  Decisions regarding approval of absences and eligibility for credit may be appealed in accordance with district policy.

Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by his or her parent or legal guardian or a health care professional, for all absences within two (2) days of the student’s return to school.  The written excuse should include the reason for and the date of absence.  If a student fails to bring a valid written excuse to school, his or her absence will be recorded as unlawful.  Schools will use the criteria below when deciding whether an absence is lawful or unlawful.

Lawful Absences

·         Absences caused by a student’s illness and whose attendance in school would endanger his or her health or the health of others.  These absences must be verified by a physician statement within two (2) days of the student’s return to school.

·         Absences due to an illness or death in the student’s immediate family verified by a statement from the parent within two (2) days of the student’s return to school.

·         Absences due to a recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith when approved in advance.  Such requests must be made to the principal in writing.

·         Absences for students whose parents/guardians are experiencing a military deployment.  Specifically absences when the parent or legal guardian of a student is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be excused as long as such absences are reasonable in duration as deemed by the principal so that the student can visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or legal guardian.

·         Absences due to activities that are approved in advance by the principal.  This would include absences for extreme hardships.  Such approval should be prearranged when possible.

Unlawful Absences

·         Absences of a student without the knowledge of his or her parents

·         Absences of a student without acceptable cause with the knowledge of his or her parents

·         Suspension is not to be counted as an unlawful absence for truancy purposes

Absences

For students in grades K-12, principals shall promptly approve or disapprove any student’s absence in excess of ten (10) days, whether those absences are lawful, unlawful, or a combination of the two.  A student does not exceed the 10 day absence limit until the student has reached his or her 11th unlawful absence.  Furthermore, a student does not exceed the 5 day absence limit for a 90 day course until the student has reached his or her 6th unlawful absence.

Carnegie Credit

The school year consists of 180 school days.  To receive credit, high school students or students in middle school taking courses for graduation credit must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170 days of each 180-day course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course.

In order to receive high school credit after the 10th unlawful absence, “seat time recovery” is required for every subsequent absence that is unlawful.  (Note:  the 10 unlawful absence limit applies to each 180-day course and should be considered 5 days for each 90-day course and 3 days for each 45 day course.)  A student may have up to 10 absences excused by a parent note in each 180-day course and 5 days excused by a parent note in each 90-day course. Parent notes in excess of 10 in a 180-day course, and 5 in a 90-day course, will be considered unexcused and will count towards the unlawful absences a student has in the respective course.  A student must attend the majority of a class session during a school day to receive credit for that class.)

Truancy

Although the state requires students to only attend 170 of the 180-day school year, parents and students should be aware that SC Code of Regulations-Chapter 43-274 stipulates that a child ages 6 to 17 year is considered truant when the child has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences.  For purposes of this section (truancy and compulsory attendance), a parent may provide up to 10 parent notes excusing a student’s absence, 5 parent notes in a 90-day course, and 3 parent notes in a 45-day course.  However, in order for any subsequent absence related to an illness to be lawful it must be supported by a physician statement/medical note.

Student Behavior Code

The District expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner. This requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress and their manners.  

League Academy is a Capturing Kids Heart (CKH) Showcase School. The goal is to build a self-managing group of students based on an agreed-upon standard of behaviors.  Classes craft Social Contracts by answering a series of questions. Students are held accountable by Behaving Out and Behaving back In to the classroom.



Students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and regulations of the school and District. Violations of such policies, rules and regulations will result in disciplinary actions. The school directs students to the District's Behavior Code set forth in Policy JCDA  and this handbook.  Schools are authorized to incorporate the use of electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets and other similar devices, into the school environment when appropriate to enhance learning and student achievement. Schools will establish rules and expectations for student use of electronic devices, and students will be disciplined in accordance with this policy for any inappropriate or unauthorized use of a device. School authorities are authorized to employ probation and suspension and to recommend expulsion, if necessary, to enforce this policy.

It is the philosophy of the District to handle all student disciplinary matters at the lowest supervisory level possible and in the most reasonable manner possible. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with appropriate procedural rights being afforded to students and their parents/guardians as provided by State law, State Board of Education regulation, and/or the policies of this District.


The Board and the administration offer the following listing of offenses and the required or recommended dispositions for the information of students, parents/legal guardians and school personnel.

Levels of offenses
Students who engage in an ongoing pattern of behavior that is disruptive to the orderly operations of the school shall be recommended for expulsion. The following is a general listing of offenses and the required or recommended disciplinary actions which should be taken as a result of such offenses being committed.

Classroom/Teacher Managed

Teacher Managed behaviors are defined as adversely affecting a student’s educational progress. These infractions should be handled by the classroom teacher and are not processed through a formal referral for disciplinary actions from  administration. However, these infractions are documented by the teacher on the Five Step Plan document.

Disorderly conduct - Level I

Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which disturbs the classroom or school.

Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following

Tardy to Class District-wide Middle School Consequences:

1st Offense: warning

2nd Offense: parent contact

3rd Offense: detention

4th offense: referral to administration

Cutting class is an automatic referral to administration. (greater than 8 minutes)

Disruptive conduct - Level II
Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative sanctions and court proceedings.

The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student engages in the activity three or more times.

Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Criminal conduct - Level III

Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students (whether or not they result in criminal charges) that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school or to the security of District resources. These activities usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the Board.

Whenever a student is engaging or has engaged in activities including, but not limited to, one of the acts specified below, while on school property or at a school sanctioned or sponsored activity which a principal or his/her designee has reason to believe may result, or has resulted, in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or to his/her property, the principal or his/her designee is required to notify law enforcement officials.

Acts for which principals must recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

Additional acts for which principals may recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

NOTE: In determining whether a student is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the student's appearance, behavior, manner, presence of an odor of the substance, and statements made by the student as to the use of controlled substances or alcohol may be considered without regard to the amount of alcohol/controlled substance consumed.

The principals must recommend students for expulsion if they have committed offenses which are underlined above. If a student commits an offense that is not underlined, the principals may recommend the student for expulsion when the circumstances warrant it. The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school District's food service program)
· out-of-school suspension
· assignment to alternative school
· expulsion
· restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities
· other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Students are permitted to bring water bottles; however, the container should only contain water. No other beverages besides water are permitted.

Electronic Device Policy

In order to create a safe and productive environment for our students, the following electronic device policy will go into effect immediately upon the beginning of the school year:

Electronic devices, including recording devices, radios, CD players, DVD players, TV’s, laser pointers, etc. are not to be brought to school. Items such as playing cards of any type (baseball, game, etc.), toys, candy, gum, etc. are also prohibited. Students who are in possession of the items will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students are permitted to possess electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, air pods, earbuds, video game systems or controllers, etc.) on school property, school buses, and while attending school-sponsored and school-related activities. The use of electronic devices are restricted to before and after school hours only. Electronic devices must be turned off and out of sight throughout the school hours of 8:30 to 3:15. Students may not use, or have turned on, an electronic device without prior permission of an administrator, as set forth below. “Turned on” includes an electronic device that is activated, set or programmed to ring, vibrate, or otherwise receive a signal or message. A person, who finds a student in possession or use of an electronic device in violation of this policy, must issue a disciplinary action. Students will only use WIRED headphones at the discretion of the teacher with their school-issued Chromebook.

Students using the electronic devices to video other students/faculty or post photographs of students/faculty without permission may lead to suspension and/or expulsion. Smart watches may be worn by students, but should not be used for communication during school hours.

Any electronic device listed above should stay in a bookbag between 8:30 and 3:15. If an electronic device is visible or heard then the student will receive the following consequences:

1st Offense : Referral and Conference

2nd Offense: Referral and ISS

3rd Offense : Referral and OSS

Communication During School Hours:

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress and be groomed in such a way as to not distract or cause disruption in the educational program or orderly operation of the school. Personal appearance of students should promote health and safety, contribute to a climate conducive to teaching and learning and project a positive image of the District to the community. Students should dress for the educational setting and not the recreational one. The principal may create further guidelines regarding student dress which are consistent with the guidelines below.

·         Clothing and/or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the education process. Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive will not be permitted.

·         Wearing accessories or clothing that could pose a safety threat to oneself or others is not allowed.

·         Attire must not evidence membership or affiliation with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term.

·         Proper shoes must be worn at all times.

·         Attire must not be immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive.

·         Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and undergarments are not to be visible. Pants and slacks must not bag, sag, or drag.

·         No clothing, jewelry, or tattoos are permitted that display profanity, suggestive phrases, or advertisements for, or messages or pictures depicting or suggesting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sex.

Specific Dress Code Rules (GCS District Dress Code Rules) 

In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate for school in accordance with this policy, the administration will either require the student to change or will inform the student not to wear the garment to school again. Repeated violations of the dress code will be treated as disruptive behavior in violation of the District's Behavior Code.

Dress Code Enforcement:

Students will only be removed from spaces, hallways, or classrooms as a result of dress code violations stated above. Students will be addressed upon entering school.  Those who are in clear violation of this will report to main office.

Students will be provided three options to be dressed more to code:

  1. Students will call parents for a change of attire. Students will be asked to put on their own alternative clothing to be dressed to code for the remainder of the day.
  2. If necessary, the student will go to the Clothes Closet in the health room for alternative clothing the student can wear for the remainder of the day. The nurse will keep log of with teh student’s name and clothing borrowed.
  3. If no solution can be found, the student will report to ISS for the remainder of hte day and parents will be contacted. Behavior Interventionist will keep a log of students in violation of the dress code.

Dress Code Violation Consequences:

No student should be affected by dress code enforcement because of racial identity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size or type or body maturity.

Students should not be shamed or required to display their body in front of others (students, classes, parents or staff) in school. “Shaming” includes:

  1. Kneeling or bending over to check attire fit.
  2. Accusing students of distracting others with their clothing.

These dress code regulations shall apply to regular school days during school hours.

Students who feel they have been subject to discriminatory enforcement of the dress code should contact their administrator or school counselor.

Transportation

In order to ensure the safety of all students riding buses in Greenville County Schools, appropriate behavior is required for all students.  Transportation to and from school is an extension of the classroom and should be considered part of the school day.  The issue of safety requires students to be on their best behavior while on school buses or vehicles.  Violations of school bus rules will be addressed in the manner listed below.

The School District Behavior Code (Board Policy JCDA) is in effect for all students at all times when being transported on school buses to and from school or school activities.  Thus, while students may lose the privilege to ride the bus due to their conduct as contained below, the student may also be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code up to and including being recommended for expulsion.

Level I Offenses - Disorderly Conduct

Level I Consequences

Level II Offenses

Level II Consequences

 

Level III Offenses

Level III Consequences 

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with federal and state law including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as set forth in the procedures developed by the administration.

Safe Schools and Anti-Bullying

Bullying is defined as intentional and repetitive aggressive behavior that takes many forms (verbal, physical, direct, indirect and cyber bullying). Bullying can be one child bullying another,  a group of children ganging up against one child, or one group of kids targeting another group. The District is committed to fostering an environment that both promotes learning and prevents disruptions to the educational process. In order to create and maintain an atmosphere that promotes learning and prevents disruption, the District has implemented the following procedures to address student concerns, complaints, and grievances in regards to bullying, discrimination, harassment, intimidation or misconduct as provided in Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG.  All formal complaints of any allegation of bullying, discrimination or harassment will follow the below process, except for complaints filed on the basis of sex (Title IX), which will follow the procedures contained in that Section II below.

Reporting Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination

Any student who believes that he/she has been subject to harassment, intimidation, bullying or misconduct by other students, employees of the District or third parties in the school setting should immediately inform the school’s administration and may also file a formal complaint under Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG.

All complaints should be filed with the principal or his or her designee within sixty days of the date of the alleged incident using the Complaint Form attached to Rule JCDAG.  Complaints may also be filed by a student’s parent.  If the allegation is against the school’s administration, the student or parent should file a report directly with the District’s Ombudsman.  Anonymous reports may be made, but those reports must provide the District with adequate information in order to begin an investigation.  

Additionally, students and parents should immediately report any concerns related to employee interactions with students that are inconsistent with the requirements and expectations contained in Board Policy GBV pertaining to staff and adult interactions with students.  Concerns that should be immediately reported to a school’s administration include potential mistreatment of students and other conduct by employees that could constitute inappropriate interaction or communication, including those sexual in nature.

Investigation

Complaints will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially. The investigation shall include appropriate steps to determine what occurred and to take actions to end the harassment, intimidation, or bullying and prevent such misconduct from occurring again.  A meeting will be scheduled within ten working days of the complaint with the complainant to discuss the complaint.  The student and his/her parent(s) shall be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation but all discipline of students and staff will remain confidential.  The written notice will also outline the complainant’s right to appeal.

Appeals

An appeal related to disability discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s Section 504 coordinator. An appeal regarding color, race, or national origin discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s Title VI coordinator.  The email contact information for the Section 504 Coordinator and Title VI Coordinator is Section504@greenville.k12.sc.us and TitleVI@greenville.k12.sc.us. Both may also be contacted by mail at Post Office Box 2848, Greenville SC 29602 or by phone at 864-355-3100.

The appeal shall state the reasons for which the complainant is appealing the initial decision.  The coordinator will examine the evidence presented by all the parties, and may conduct a meeting with both the complainant and the school principal or designee if needed.  The coordinator must provide a written decision to the complainant within 10 working days of receiving the complainant’s written appeal.  The coordinator shall inform the complainant of the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee.  If a coordinator or the Superintendent or his/her designee is alleged to be involved in the complaint, the District will appoint an objective and impartial administrator to address the complainant’s appeal at that level.

If a student or parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the action or decision of the Coordinator, they may appeal the decision to the Superintendent or his/her designee within 10 working days of the decision of the Coordinator. The appeal shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the appeal. The superintendent or designee, in his or her discretion, may choose to have a meeting with the complainant and the coordinator. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a written determination to the complainant and take appropriate action within 10 working days after the receipt of a written appeal.

Title IX Complaints (Sex-Based Discrimination/Harassment)

The District, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its corresponding regulations (“Title IX”), does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activities. Title IX prohibits sex-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex in all of its programs and activities by its employees, students or third parties.

Reporting
Any student (or parent/guardian of student) who believes they have been the subject of sex-based harassment or discrimination should contact the school’s administration immediately.        A formal complaint may be filed in accordance with Administrative Rule JCDAG.  Even if a formal complaint is not filed related to a Title IX concern, the District must still conduct a thorough review into the concern and implement appropriate supportive measures and disciplinary consequences and provide a written summary to the student/parents related to its efforts and actions.
Investigation

A school’s Assistant Principal or other appointed school administrator (investigator) will initiate an investigation of any formal complaint of alleged sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature reported to them in consultation with the District’s Title IX Coordinator following the detailed process outlined in Administrative Rule JCDAG. The school’s Principal will then separately review the findings of that investigation and render a determination as the decision-maker. If an allegation is made against a non-student, including an employee, the District Employee Relations Representative will serve as the investigator and a director in the District’s Human Resources Department will serve as the decision-maker.  A parent or legal guardian or Title IX Coordinator may also file a complaint on behalf of the student. If, for any reason, the student prefers not to share the complaint with the Assistant Principal, he or she may submit a complaint with the Principal.

The District prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a report.  The District also prohibits any person from falsely accusing another person.

Additional information pertaining to Title IX, including contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinator, training received by District employees, and the process for appeals can be found at https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=titleix

Homework

When homework is given, assignments shall reflect the following guidelines:
Homework shall include one or more of the three generally recognized types of homework:
     Practice:  reinforces newly acquired skills taught in class
     Preparation: helps students prepare for upcoming lessons, activities, or tests
     Extension: provides challenging, often long-term opportunities for enrichment that parallel class work

Homework shall be carefully planned and explained to the students. Content and duration of homework shall be personalized to accommodate the age, grade, ability, and readiness of the students.  Homework should not exceed 90 minutes nightly.  Homework shall be assigned with awareness of the home resources available to the student and the family and alternative options offered, where necessary. Since involvement in extracurricular activities is encouraged and valued, homework assignments that are lengthy shall be scheduled as far in advance as possible.

Because homework at the high school level varies according to a student’s course load and schedule, high school students should spend sufficient time on homework to master the content of the subject matter. Completed homework assignments are to be reviewed by the teacher or designee; appropriate instructional follow-up shall occur.

If homework is graded, the homework shall count no more than 10% of the overall quarterly grade at the middle school and high school levels.

Because they require a greater amount of time and effort than daily assignments, grades for long- range assignments shall not count as part of the homework percentage, but should be considered in the time allocated for homework.

Parents and students shall be informed at the beginning of the school year and at the beginning of second semester, if appropriate, of the district homework policies and classroom homework expectations.

Students are encouraged to spend some time each day reading a variety of materials independently.

Uniform Grading Scale

The Uniform Grading Policy approved by the State Board of Education is effective for all students enrolled in unit-bearing classes, including those offered at the middle school level.

The SC Grading Scale is as follows:
A= 90-100; B= 80-89, C= 70-79, D= 60-69, F= 0-59        

WF= 50, FA=50, P= no value, WP= no value, AU= no value, NP=no value

Link to: SC Uniform Grading Scale

2nd-12th Grade

The following grade scale will be applied to students in grades 2-12.

A=100-90    B=89-80    C=79-70     D=69-60     F=59-50    

For Carnegie Unit courses please refer to the state Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) for quality points and state regulations guiding credit-bearing courses. 

 Grading Floors

A floor of 50 will be applied to all grades for middle school students (6-8) 

A floor of 50 will be applied to quarter report cards for High School Students (9-12).  The floor will not be applied to Interim Progress reports.

Student Redo/Retake Policy

League Academy holds each student responsible for their own education.  In this regard, student self-advocacy is important for creating intrinsic motivation to complete work timely with mastery. Certain teachers may choose to require a “qualifier” to retake assessments.


Students may be required to retake certain assessments based on teacher discretion and students’ personal growth goals.

Student Late Work Policy

The Late Work Policy at League Academy will be the following:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents (including legal guardians) and students over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to students’ education records. “Student education records” include any records maintained by a school or the district that are directly related to the student. These rights are:

·         The right to inspect and review a student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should write a letter to the school principal and identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access to those records and will notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where they may inspect them.

·         The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend an education record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading by writing the school principal. In that letter, they should not only clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, but also specify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. They should also provide any evidence to support their claim. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a district-level hearing regarding the request for amendment. The school will provide additional information regarding the district’s hearing procedures when they notify the parent or eligible student of the decision. After the hearing, if the district still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his/her view about the contested information.

·         The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA allows the district to disclose education records to school officials with a legitimate educational interest in the information contained in the record without consent from the parent or eligible student. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health and law enforcement staff); a person serving on the School Board; and a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor or therapist). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if that official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request and without consent, the district forwards and discloses education records to officials of another school district in which a student seeks/intends to enroll, specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes, appropriate parties in connection with financial aid, organizations conducting certain studies for the school, accrediting organizations, to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, to appropriate offices in cases of health and safety emergencies, and to state and local authorities within a juvenile system.

·         The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the federal agency that administers FERPA is as follows:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-5920

 *An eligible student is defined as a student who reaches 18 years of age or attends a post-secondary school.

Directory Information

Information that the District has designated as "directory information" regarding a student may be released to outside organizations without prior written consent from the parent/eligible student. The District defines directory information as a student's name, address, telephone number, photograph, grade level, school to which he/she is assigned, years of attendance at that school, awards received, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of athletic team members. Outside organizations requesting directory information include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act requires that local high schools must provide military recruiters, upon request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. If you do not wish for the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the School in writing no later than 30 calendar days after the first day of school.

Student Speakers at School-Sponsored Activities

The School District of Greenville County is committed to maintaining an educational environment in which students of all backgrounds, beliefs and religions are welcome and treated with equal dignity and respect.  The District will neither advance nor inhibit religion.  In accord with the United States Constitution, the District protects private expression, including religious expression, by individual students as long as that expression does not create a disruption to or interfere with the educational environment.  

Student speakers at school-sponsored activities, including graduations, may not be selected on a basis that either favors or disfavors religious speech.  Where student speakers are selected on the basis of genuinely neutral, evenhanded criteria and retain primary control over the content of their expression, that expression is not attributable to the school and therefore may not be restricted because of its religious or secular content.  In contrast, where school officials determine or substantially control the content of what is expressed, such speech is attributable to the school and may not include prayer or religious content.  A school, however, may prevent or remove a speaker if the content of their speech is obscene, contrary to the District’s behavior code or substantially disruptive to the school environment.

School Insurance

Student accident insurance is offered as a service to parents.  The available insurance coverage includes school-only or 24-hour coverage.  Coverage, cost, and enrollment information is provided on the District’s website at https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=faqinsurance

Voluntary student accident insurance is different from athletic insurance, which is required.

Parent’s Right to Know

As the parent or family of a student enrolled in Greenville County Schools, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers and instructional assistants who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for the following information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires the District to give you this information in a timely manner:

If you would like to receive this information, please call the Human Resources Department.  

Student Use of Technology

Students must use school technology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Rule EFE.  This school technology includes District email, network, equipment, and assigned devices to students.   Students will be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code (JCDA) for any misuse of school technology.   While the District implements filters and safeguards for school technology, the District cannot guarantee that these measures will detect or prevent inappropriate use of technology by students.  Parents and students should immediately contact the student’s school with any concerns pertaining to the use of technology.  

Board Policies and Administrative Rules

All current policies of the Greenville County School District Board of Trustees and administrative rules can be found on Board Docs on the District’s website at: https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/Public

Tardy/Early Dismissal Procedures

Punctuality is one of the most important skills that a person can learn. It is a skill that directly correlates to an individual’s success in the business world. Late arrival (tardiness) negatively impacts a child’s learning. Additionally, tardiness results in interruptions to the learning process not only for the tardy student, but for other students in the class as well. Parents should ensure that students arrive at school on time each day.  Tardiness is covered in School Board Policy Section JCDA of the Behavior Code under Disorderly Conduct – Level I. 

Students who need to leave school early must present a note written by a parent or legal guardian to the attendance office upon arrival to school. There will be no early dismissals after 2:30pm. The note must include the following: student’s name, specific reason for early dismissal, specific time for dismissal, name of person transporting the student, and a telephone number where a parent can be reached for verification.

The parent or guardian must come into the front office and sign the student out. Please know the child’s birthdate and have a photo ID available to show the office staff. If anyone other than the parent or guardian picks up the student, identification will be required before the student is permitted to leave.

Visitors/Volunteers

Visitors/volunteers will check in with the front office staff. All visitors must bring their IDs to check-in.

Medication

We require a written physician authorization in order for prescription medications to be administered at school. 

All Health Services procedures/guidelines and above mentioned forms can be found online at  http://www.greenville.k12.us/gcsd/depts/stuserv/health.asp

Athletics

Students in the seventh and eighth grades must meet the following requirements to participate in Middle School sports. Students in the 6th grade may not participate, try-out, or attend conditioning at any level until after they have completed the 6th grade. 

  1. Students must meet all criteria set by Greenville County Schools and the South Carolina High School League.
  2. Students may not participate in middle school sports if he/she becomes 15 before July 1.
  3. Students must have a current physical form on file dated on or after April 1, 2024.
  4. Students must pay all required athletic fees.
  5. Students must have transportation to and from practices.
  6. Students must be in attendance at least one-half of the instructional day (11:30) to play in a game or attend practice unless a doctor’s note is presented.
  7. Students suspended due to behavior may not participate in any practice or games during the duration of their suspension. Offenses that lead to Reframe (ISS) may also warrant punishment under this code of conduct for extracurricular activities. 

Services

Counseling Services: Counseling services are available for every student in the school. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupations information, career information, study help, help with home, school and/or social concerns, or any other questions the student would like to discuss with a counselor. Counselors will visit classrooms. A system for students to see the counselors will be established on a grade by grade basis.

Health Room: The health room is merely an emergency station and is not equipped to take care of any serious illness. Students will only be dismissed from school in case of illness from the Health Room. Students may not contact parents regarding illness using personal cell phones or a classroom phone. If a student becomes ill at school, the nurse will be called to the classroom to evaluate whether or not that student needs to go home. Parents are to notify the school nurse, in writing, of any health conditions pertinent to the child’s wellbeing such as coronavirus, asthma, epilepsy, toxic reactions to bee stings, diabetes, bone and joint problems, etc.

Immunizations: The state requires that each student present the school with a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization or Certification of Exemption. Students who do not have immunization records on file with the school will not be allowed to attend school.

Medication: We require a written physician authorization in order for prescription medications to be administered at school.

All Health Services procedures/guidelines and above mentioned forms can be found online at  http://www.greenville.k12.us/gcsd/depts/stuserv/health.asp

Backpack Account

Greenville County uses backpack for all communication from school to home.  Teachers, administrators, and other staff members may reach out to you using your contact information in backpack. You have access to your students grades, referrals, dismissal number, contacts, and messaging with school staff through backpack.  Please make sure to use this tool regularly to monitor your students grades.

Bell Schedule

ID Badges

As part of our school district’s continuing efforts to provide a safe learning environment, all middle school students and staff will be required to wear Photo ID badges.

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Steps and Consequences for ID Violations

Step 1: Free ID given if school issued ID lost

Step 2-5: Temporary ID

Step 6: Reprint ID account charged $5, parent contacted and lunch detention for every Temporary ID following

Step 7-10: Temporary ID

Step 11: Reprint ID account charged $5, parent contacted

Step 12-15: Temporary ID

Step 16: Reprint ID account charged $5 - student assigned ISS, parent contacted

Step 17+: Student assigned OSS

ACADEMICS

Report Cards will be available to parents through Parent Backpack at the end of each nine week period:

Promotion and Retention: Students who do not pass all required academic subjects (English/Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) or who miss more than ten unexcused days of school, may be required to take one or two courses in summer school to meet promotion requirements or retake the class the following school year.

Homework: Homework may be assigned daily in academic subjects. It may be assigned to review and strengthen class work or to help students learn how to study independently. Some assignments may be spread out over a longer period of time so that students can show they are able to gather and present information.

Make-up Work: When a student is absent, school policy allows five days after returning to school to complete make-up work.

Students are responsible for contacting each teacher for missed work. The request should be made immediately upon returning to school. A parent may request make-up work for extended absences. Make-up work may be accessed online, provided via email or picked up in the front office after making arrangements with school staff.

Cheating or Plagiarism:

The School District of Greenville County expects students to maintain integrity in all school work and refrain from any action that would bring dishonor to them or their school. Copying the work of others and submitting it as one’s own or securing or providing answers in a dishonest way is forbidden. Plagiarism from the Internet is included in this offense.

Chromebooks: League Academy is proud to be a Personalized Learning school, with each student having access to a Chromebook. The expectation is that all students bring a charged Chromebook to school each day and practice responsible digital citizenship at all times.

Device policies and procedures are linked on the school website. Expectations and Consequences infractions are included on our website.

Students will:

  1. Respect and protect their privacy and the privacy of others by doing the following:
  1. Respect and protect the integrity, availability, and security of all electronic resources.
  1. Respect and protect the copyrighted/intellectual property of others.
  1. Respect and practice the principles of community.
  1. Respect the property of Greenville County Schools.

Each student will be issued a Chromebook provided by Greenville County Schools. All Chromebook forms must be completed and turned in to the school. The Chromebooks are permitted to go home with students for educational use. However, they will be responsible for maintaining their good condition and returning the Chromebooks at the end of the school year. Students will also be responsible for ensuring their Chromebook is charged for school each day.

Chromebook Technology Fee:

This year, students will not be charged a technology fee, however, if there is damage to the Chromebook, students will be fined for the cost of repair.

A new Chromebook will not be issued unless the charge of the repair or the full price of the Chromebook is paid. Please note accidental damage also does not cover the replacement for a lost or missing Chromebook or Chromebook charger.

Textbooks: Textbooks will be accessed electronically this school year. Access codes will be provided by teachers. Math books, which are consumable, will be issued to students and do not need to be returned at the end of the school year. If any textbooks are issued to students, students are responsible for paying for a textbook if the book is lost or damaged. Lost or damaged books (beyond normal wear and tear) will be the responsibility of the student and replacement will be expected. The school will refund students for found textbooks provided they have the receipt.

Health and Wellness Education: Parents and guardians can review health and wellness education and lessons in the front office.

Parent Teacher Association: League Academy is proud to boast active PTA membership.  Parents are encouraged to join this organization and become actively involved in the programs they sponsor.

Parents are encouraged to go to the LA website, which is used throughout the year to give information about the PTA and the school.  

School Yearbook: Information about placing orders for the school yearbook will be shared during the year.

REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

Arrival:

School instruction begins each day at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:15 p.m. each day. Students are considered tardy if they are not in class, seated and ready for instruction by 8:30.

There will be no supervision prior to 7:30am. Please do not drop students off prior to 7:30am. Students may not arrive and wait outside before 7:30am. Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:30am. Students will report to their morning holding areas. Once students have reported to their morning holding areas, they will not be permitted to leave. No student will be admitted to other parts of the building.

Dismissal:

Students may only leave their classrooms when their  dismissal mode is announced.

Cafeteria:

Students will receive free school breakfast and lunch for the 2024-2025 school year.  Any extras must still be purchased.

Students may pay cash daily, but parents are encouraged to use MySchoolBucks or send a check for a weekly/monthly lunch purchase.

Drinks:
Breakfast Procedures:

Lunch Procedures:

Change of Address:

The school should be notified immediately of any changes in personal data including address and telephone and/or cell phone numbers. If it comes to our attention that a student has moved, the parent will be required to show proof of address. Any changes in name or address must be made through our guidance clerk at 355-8115.

Pledge of Allegiance: League Academy students will collectively participate in the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence. These activities will take place at the beginning of the school day. Any individual who chooses to abstain should remain quiet and respect the rights of others to participate.

Safety Drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year. Practicing these drills in an orderly fashion promotes safety in case of a real emergency. To ensure safety, remember these basic rules:

School Telephone: Students are to use the phone in the office for special circumstances only with permission from a member of the League Academy staff.

Visitors: Visitors/volunteers will check in with the front office staff. All visitors must bring their IDs to check-in. 

Student Responsibilities: A responsibility is an obligation one has to ensure the rights of all are protected.

All students have the responsibility to:

Off Campus Behavior:

Administrators will take appropriate action when information becomes available about student misconduct away from school grounds or school activities that may have a direct and detrimental effect on or seriously threaten the discipline, educational environment, safety or general welfare of students, faculty, staff, and/or administrators of the district.

School Events:

Students who have been assigned out of school suspensions will not be able to attend school activities during the suspension, including dances, field day, etc.

League Academy Student Recognitions:

Students are recognized for success in their academics as well as their positive behavior. Incentives and recognitions will be planned to highlight students for various accomplishments.

School Clubs

Each club will have an application process that will require teacher recommendations and parent signatures.

After School Club Participants will be required to follow the guidelines listed below:

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND COUNSELORS

Principal: Dana Swartzel, dswartze@geenville.k12.sc.us, 355-8100

6th Grade Administrator: Lisa Mathis, lmathis@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-8106

7th Grade Administrator: Brittany McCants, bmccants@greenville.k12.sc.us,  355-8100

8th Grade Administrator: Mac McDougal, fmcdougal@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-8132

Counseling services are available for every student in the school. These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupations information, career information, study help, help with home, school and/or social concerns, or any other questions the student would like to discuss with a counselor. Students must have an appointment and/or pass to meet with the counselor.

6th Grade School Counselor: Liz Morgan, eemorgan@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-1392

7th Grade School Counselor: Summer Templet, sredwards@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-0367

8th Grade School Counselor: Ruth Terkelsen, rterkelsen@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-8113

Career Counselor: Julie Moody, jmoody@greenville.k12.sc.us , 355-0367

Mental Health Counselor: Chloe Owens, chlowens@greenville.k12.sc.us, 355-4565

*Important note regarding information contained in the student handbook

As information, policies, or procedures change during the 2023-2024 school year, information will be distributed to parents and students. The school reserves the right to monitor, interpret, and adjust policies as needed.